- Location: Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA
- Workplace: Camp Nelson National Monument
- Job Title: Park Ranger (I)
- Job Type: Full-time (Permanent Position)
- Salary: $50,460 – $80,243 per year
- Nationality: U.S. Citizens and individuals eligible under the listed federal hiring paths
- Gender: Any
- Vacancies: 1 Position
- Industry: Government / National Parks / Natural and Cultural Resource Management
Job Summary
The National Park Service, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is hiring a Park Ranger (I) at Camp Nelson National Monument in Nicholasville, Kentucky. This is a full-time, permanent federal government position with a salary range of $50,460 to $80,243 per year and promotion potential up to the GS-09 level.
The successful candidate will provide visitor services, develop and present educational and interpretive programs, conduct research related to scientific and historical subjects, coordinate visitor facilities, and support the training and development of other employees.
This position is particularly suited to candidates with experience or education in areas such as natural resources, history, archaeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, museum sciences, social sciences, public administration, or other related fields.
Job Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA |
| Workplace | Camp Nelson National Monument |
| Department | U.S. Department of the Interior |
| Agency | National Park Service |
| Job Title | Park Ranger (I) |
| Job Type | Full-time (Permanent Position) |
| Salary | $50,460 – $80,243 per Year |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-07 to GS-09 |
| Promotion Potential | GS-09 |
| Work Schedule | Full-time |
| Workplace Setting | On-site |
| Telework | Not Eligible |
| Remote Work | Not Available |
| Travel | Not Required |
| Vacancies | 1 Position |
| Security Clearance | Not Required |
| Drug Test | No |
| Supervisory Status | No |
| Federal Service | Competitive Service |
| Occupation | Park Ranger – Series 0025 |
| Appointment Type | Permanent |
| Posted Date | August 17, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
Key Responsibilities
As a Park Ranger (I), you will be responsible for the following:
- Develop and present formal and informal interpretive programs for park visitors and learners.
- Deliver educational experiences using in-person programs, interpretive media, and technology.
- Conduct research on scientific and historical subjects related to park resources.
- Evaluate research sources for relevance, validity, and potential bias.
- Coordinate the operation of visitor facilities and information desks.
- Develop daily work schedules for tours of duty and employee assignments.
- Monitor visitor services provided by lower-graded employees.
- Evaluate visitor service activities and recommend improvements.
- Guide learning through formal and informal training methods.
- Train, mentor, coach, and evaluate fellow interpreters.
- Identify employee training needs and provide constructive feedback.
- Develop and deliver educational programs connected to national, state, and local education standards when required.
- Support in-park, off-site, and virtual educational programs.
- Promote visitor, employee, and personal safety.
- Include risk assessments when making operational decisions.
- Help create and maintain a strong workplace safety culture.
- Assist with special projects and interpretive program development.
- Perform duties that may be developmental when working below the full performance level.
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Qualifications
Applicants must meet the qualifications for the grade level for which they are applying.
GS-07 Grade Level
Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.
- At least one year of graduate-level education in a related field.
- A qualifying combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
- A bachelor’s degree in a directly related field with Superior Academic Achievement.
Specialized experience may include developing and presenting independently researched programs, creating materials for interpretive media, coordinating visitor facilities or information desks, and assisting with special projects.
GS-09 Grade Level
Candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
- Two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education.
- A master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in a related field.
- A qualifying combination of specialized experience and graduate education.
GS-09 specialized experience should include coordinating, evaluating, or directing interpretive programs, assisting with long-range program planning, developing educational programs, and coaching or mentoring interpretive staff.
Volunteer experience, including qualifying work through organizations such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, professional organizations, community groups, and other organizations, may also receive credit when it directly relates to the position.
Work Schedule
- Employment Type: Permanent Full-time
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Work Location: Camp Nelson National Monument, Nicholasville, Kentucky
- Telework: Not Available
- Remote Work: Not Available
- Travel: Not Required
- Start Date: As Soon As Possible / Following Appointment
- Possible Schedule Requirements: Evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime may be required.
Benefits by National Park Service
The federal position offers several employment advantages, including:
- Annual salary of $50,460 to $80,243 depending on grade and qualifications.
- Permanent full-time federal employment.
- Promotion potential to GS-09.
- Opportunity to build a career with the National Park Service.
- Uniform allowance provided.
- Professional training and development opportunities.
- Opportunity to work in a national monument and support public education and resource protection.
- Potential career development within the federal government.
- Federal employee benefits applicable to the position and appointment.
Why Join the National Park Service?
Working as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service provides an opportunity to combine public service, education, visitor engagement, and the protection of natural and cultural resources.
At Camp Nelson National Monument, employees help visitors understand the site’s historical and cultural importance while providing educational experiences and maintaining high standards of visitor service and safety.
The position also provides opportunities to develop professional skills in interpretation, research, education, leadership, mentoring, and resource management. Candidates interested in building a long-term federal government career may find the GS-07 to GS-09 career progression particularly valuable.
Important: The announcement states that resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages, and photographs should not be included in the application package.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through USAJOBS before the application deadline.
Apply for the Park Ranger (I) position on USAJOBS
The application process generally requires applicants to:
- Click the Apply Online button on the USAJOBS vacancy page.
- Complete the required application questions.
- Upload the required two-page resume and supporting documents.
- Submit college transcripts if qualifying through education.
- Submit applicable performance appraisal, awards, eligibility, or veterans’ documentation.
- Complete all required assessments.
- Complete any required USA Hire assessments within the specified deadline.
- Submit the complete application package before 11:59 PM ET on August 31, 2026.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026